Barrister Helen Hogben will chair the Manchester HR Conference titled "Dismissal for HR: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Employers" on March 25, 2026 at The Lowry Hotel. The conference aims to help human resources professionals navigate the complex legal landscape of employee terminations with practical, court-proven solutions.
Hogben, an experienced employment and discrimination barrister with a national practice, will deliver the keynote address and lead discussions with a panel of legal experts. The event addresses critical challenges employers face in today's evolving workplace, providing insights directly applicable to HR operations. Hogben stated the conference offers a valuable platform for professionals to gain solution-focused answers to challenging dismissal questions.
The conference agenda includes sessions on managing obstructive employee behavior, with Rebecca Peck of Bexley Beaumont exploring strategies for progressing performance management when employees resist engagement, allege bullying, or take sick leave. Danielle Ingham from Mills & Reeve will provide guidance on handling "word-against-word" scenarios involving inappropriate behavior between employees at off-site events.
Neurodivergence in the workplace presents particular challenges, which Angela Brumpton of Gunnercooke will address, focusing on accommodating undiagnosed conditions when reasonable adjustments prove insufficient. Mary Walker from Gordons will examine cultural misalignment issues, addressing when to act on employees who are negative, disruptive, or poor cultural fits despite not objectively underperforming.
Mental health and absenteeism concerns will be covered by Bryn Doyle of Lewis Silkin, who will offer insights on minimizing legal risks when addressing persistent absences caused by underlying mental health conditions. Naeema Choudry from Eversheds Sutherland will clarify complexities surrounding "suitable alternative employment" for employees on maternity leave during redundancy situations.
Hogben's extensive experience in employment law, including her appointment as Junior Counsel to the Crown in 2023 and her work on complex cases detailed in her notable cases, positions her to guide these critical discussions. Her commitment to professional development through seminars and webinars further establishes her qualifications for chairing this forward-thinking event.
The full-day conference includes lunch and offers five hours of Continuing Professional Development for delegates. This event represents an important opportunity for HR professionals to enhance their understanding of dismissal procedures, network with peers, and implement fair, legally compliant termination practices. Additional information about the conference is available through the White Paper Conference website.
